Cobb Valley Mitigation Fund

ABOUT THE FUND

After the completion of the Cobb Valley Dam by Trustpower, a fund was made available for projects that would enhance the environment of the Takaka Valley area.

This fund, (the Cobb Valley Mitigation Fund or CVMF) is administered by the Tasman Environmental Trust for the benefit of environmental initiatives in the Cobb and Takaka Valley Catchment area, the Waikoropupu Springs area, and wetlands and riparian re-vegetation in Golden Bay.

Dr. Phillip Simpson, Chair of the Trust ,and an eminent ecologist is based in Golden Bay. He is therefore well aware of the conservation needs and restoration opportunities in the Takaka Catchment.This has allowed the trust to provide direction to Golden Bay groups and focus attention on projects to better meet the outcomes sought by the establishment of the Mitigation Fund. Tracey Osborne and Robin Manson have also been invaluable in providing guidance for these projects.

WHICH PROJECTS ARE FUNDED?

Projects funded by the CVMF via the Trust have included riparian restoration, establishment of native plant nurseries, wetland restoration and weed control.

An amazing variety of projects have been funded to date including:

Screening of cycle trails,

Protection of water quality for native fish habitats

Renovation of the Chaffey Hut

Re-establishment of podocarp forest

Rata restoration

Predator control and restoration of scrub-land.

Projects are mostly small scale with tremendous input from volunteers, although DOC and Fonterra have been recipients of the CVMF.

Applications for funding are welcomed from individuals and community groups, as well as organisations such as DOC, Fish and Game and local iwi.

Funding is generally for capital works, not maintenance.

Grants are made annually and applications usually close in April each year.